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Community Corner

RBSA Parade and Family Fun Day

Special All Stars to lead Ridgewood Baseball & Softball Parade

Annual RBSA Parade and Family Fun Day, Saturday, April 26

By Karin Whalen

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The RBSA holds its 13th annual Parade and Family Fun Day this Saturday, April 26th. You may have noticed that the fields have been filled with kids playing baseball and softball, that’s because the season officially opened on April 5th. The Parade, while traditionally being the kick- off of the season has been moved deeper into the start to accommodate school breaks as well as notoriously bad early spring weather.

The Parade kicks off at 9 am at the Train Station. Participants are expected to arrive no later than 8:30 am to ensure the parade begins on time (see map for assembly locations of all age groups). This year’s Grand Marshall is “The Special All Stars”. Special All Stars is a program designed to give children with special needs, in and around our community, an opportunity to play baseball/softball with the help of community volunteers via one on one personal instruction. Accompanying the Special All Stars will be members of the Ridgewood High School Women’s Softball Team and Chip Conklin's 14u travel baseball players.

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In the same spirit that is promoted by volunteerism we ask all players to give back to their community by providing a non-perishable food donation item to help support Ridgewood Social Services Association. There will be space available to drop off your donation at the Train Station concession stand where you can also stop by to purchase coffee, bagels and doughnuts before the procession.

As is the tradition of Parade’s in years past, the kids will travel through the center of town waving flags and carrying banners showing their pride in their teams and the love of the sport. They will finish the route at the Bandshell on Veteran’s field. There, the current president Jim Albano will address the crowd followed by the ceremonial first pitches being thrown out by Gary Muzio, representing Ridgewood Softball, and Ed Seavers representing Ridgewood Baseball.

Exhibits available on Veterans Field include RBSA sponsors TD Bank, Modell’s, and the Huntington Learning Center. There will also be RBSA merchandise and Concessions made available. Events for all ages are scheduled including a Speed Gun Station, HR Derby’s, K-2 Drills and face painting. There will also be a 65' inflatable obstacle course as well as giveaways available to all field activity participants. The RHS men’s varsity baseball team is scheduled to be on the Vets 90 field for a baseball game beginning at 11 am. (A map of all the field events has been provided for your convenience).

Come out, bring your family and enjoy a day centered around America’s favorite past time. Let’s Play Ball!!

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